Instructors

Giovanni Torres, also known as Dj GiO, was born and raised in Medellin, Colombia, where he was immersed in salsa music, teaching, and dancing, sparking a lifelong passion that has driven his dreams.

As a multifaceted artist - dancer, instructor, choreographer, judge, and director of Los Salsomanos Dance Company - he has forged a remarkable career that inspires countless individuals to pursue their own creative aspirations. Over 30 years ago, he embarked on his teaching and Deejay journey, fueled by an unwavering commitment to share his love for music and empower dancers.

He has performed, taught, and Deejayed at numerous Salsa Congresses and Festivals across Canada, the United States, Europe, and Colombia, and regularly appears at Toronto's premier nightclubs and socials, spreading joy and enthusiasm wherever he goes.

He has also been an integral part of the Salsa on St. Clair festival for over 20 years, Canada's largest salsa street festival, a testament to his tireless dedication and passion. In his words, “Djing and teaching is my passion, collecting great Latin music has been my hobby for many years, and supporting these artists has always filled me with pride. I play from my heart and feel the music I play. I envision myself dancing, and therefore, I envision others dancing to their fullest. Whether it's Colombian, Puerto Rican, Cuban, New York, or various Latin styles, I play with respect for the artists and feel honored to be the source that extends it to you,

“From A Dancer To The Dancers”

Salsomanos Dance Co.

Nico's journey began in Canada when he embarked on his studies in marketing at the University of Guelph. Little did he know that dancing would soon weave its way into the tapestry of his life. His dance odyssey commenced with partner dancing, particularly Salsa, and it was a turning point that altered the course of everything.        

‘“Nico's vision was crystal clear: to enrich lives through the transformative power of dance, forging strong, supportive dance communities along the way.”
                

Driven by an ardent desire to share the sheer joy of dance as a celebration of life, Nico founded the Flying Dance Community (FDComm) in 2004. FDComm isn't just a dance studio; it's a haven for embracing diverse cultural dance styles with a strong sense of community. Nico's vision was crystal clear: to enrich lives through the transformative power of dance, forging strong, supportive dance communities along the way. FDComm stands dedicated to uniting the community in an environment where students revel in the myriad documented benefits of dance, fostering an active, vibrant, and healthier community that nurtures emotional well-being.            

Throughout the years, FDComm has touched the lives of individuals from all walks of life. The studio offers adult Latin dance lessons including Salsa, Bachata, Argentine Tango, West Coast Swing, and the enchanting Ballroom dances like Cha Cha & Waltz. With private and wedding dance lessons, as well as weekly socials, the dance community remains invigorated.

Please visit our studio’s website : www.fdcommunity.com     

But FDComm's impact extends beyond the studio. It hosts the exhilarating Flying Dance Festival (FDFest), a unique outdoor dance extravaganza that lights up Guelph and Wellington County throughout the summer. FDFest features captivating dance workshops, electrifying performances, and lively social dancing, bringing the entire community together. Collaborating with local instructors, dance troupes, and studios from across southern Ontario, FDFest is a resounding success.

The enchantment continues with Moonlight Dancing, a beloved event spanning 12 weeks of outdoor dancing on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Since 2008, this event has been a beacon of joy, creating unforgettable memories under the night sky.

Please visit FDFest for more details    : www.fdfest.com      

Nico's passion for dance education extends to training aspiring instructors, teaching them how to connect with students and evolve as dancers. FDComm's Online Salsa Dance Course paves the way for enthusiasts to embark on their instructing journey.

Please visit FDFest for more details : www.fdcomonline.com     

FDComm has evolved into a vibrant network, benefitting instructors seeking collaboration and new horizons, dance students expanding their dance vocabulary, and first-time dancers stepping onto the dance floor for the first time. These ripples of activity extend to smaller communities, as dance becomes an integral part of their cultural fabric.

In all its endeavors, FDComm aspires to inspire everyone it encounters, while also nurturing the health and mental well-being of the community. 

As Vicki Baum beautifully put it, "There are shortcuts to happiness, and dancing is one of them."

See you on the dance floor, cheers!

Mikaela Lewis is the owner and head instructor at Remix Swing based in Waterloo, Ontario. She has been dancing partner dances since 2009 when she joined the Ballroom Dance Club at the University of Alberta on a friend's insistence. After falling in love with international-style Ballroom and Latin dancing, she quickly became a teaching assistant and started to compete in amateur competitions. A love of dance and moving across the world for her career caused an exploration of different styles of dance, and in 2015 Mikaela discovered West Coast Swing. Since then she has competed, taught, and danced West Coast Swing all over the world and is constantly looking to improve her own dancing and teaching abilities. She is proud to be the community leader of the growing West Coast Swing community in Waterloo, Ontario since 2022.

Dance styles learned: 24+ partner dances, 6+ solo dances

Dance styles taught: 14

Mikaela's teaching embodies her experience with different styles of dance and different dance communities and cultures. She believes in teaching universal dance theory as a primary focus - so that the skills learned in her classes will improve your ability in any other style you want to learn.

Mikaela is also an engineer, world-traveler, novelist, and current PhD student at the University of Waterloo.